Acute Coronary Syndrome Institutional Protocols

Dr. Christopher B. Granger, from Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC moderated the topic “Acute Coronary Syndrome Institutional Protocols” with Dr. Deborah Diercks from UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, Dr. Peter B. Berger from Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, NY, and Dr. Timothy D. Henry from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Heart Institute, Los Angeles, CA participating. The discussion focused primarily on: The lack of systematic institutional protocols for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) treatment; gaps in the coordination of care among emergency departments, emergency medical services, catheterization labs, and hospital wards; the distinct issues facing different categories of patients with STEMI, non-STEMI and cardiogenic shock; first treatment choices at first presentation; risk stratification in the emergency department; developing ACS treatment algorithms with guidance on switching therapies; and considerations surrounding patient adherence and the importance of early patient education. [Published online ahead of print October 11, 2016.] (Med Roundtable Cardiovasc Ed. 2016 Oct. 11) ©2016 FoxP2Media, LLC